3 Quick Tips for Planning Your Trip to Europe: Show Me the Money!
When you’re planning your trip to Europe, the question of money definitely comes up.
How much is this going to cost?
Do I use cash or credit cards?
How do I get cash when I’m in Europe if I need it?
I’m not going to tackle that first question in this post as I believe travel to Europe can be done on all levels of budgets.
You just have to be a bit creative and think outside the box — and be willing to let go of some expectations — if you are on a lesser budget.
In this post I want to offer up 3 quick tips for handling your money matters while you are traveling in Europe.
So I’ll be addressing questions #2 and #3.
Let’s start with #2.
Should I use cash or credit cards?
The answer is: both.
You will find that many businesses — hotels/guesthouses, restaurants, shops and pubs/bars will accept credit cards.
Mostly Visa and MasterCard.
Discover is not known in Europe so don’t bother with this credit card.
And American Express is not as prevalent but you will find a few businesses that will accept it.
However, you will find some small businesses may not take credit cards at all.
So know that when you are planning your trip to Europe that you’ll need to use cash at times.
Check with your accommodation or a restaurant before you book or order so you know in advance.
I highly recommend that you always have some cash with you — just in case.
I use cash for smaller purchases and save my credit cards for bigger purchases.
For example, I will use a credit card to pay for accommodation (as long as they accept credit cards) and will use cash to pick up a few items at a food market or to pay for a pint at the pub.
There may be some accommodations that take credit cards but prefer cash.
And sometimes if you pay in cash, you might save a wee bit.
So definitely ask.
But you can most definitely use your credit card in Europe.
How do I get cash when I’m in Europe?
How do you get cash at home?
Do you use the ATM/cash machine?
If so, then nothing changes when traveling.
You can use your ATM/debit card at any bank machine in Europe to get cash.
You will, of course, be getting the local currency (Euros, British Pound, Swiss Francs, etc).
And you will most likely be assessed fees by your bank and the bank whose bank machine you’re using.
So know that there are fees associated with this.
Because of this, do take out the most you can at any given time.
As you are planning your trip to Europe you’ll want to check with your bank before you travel to see what your limit is.
Typically it’s nice to take out about 500 euro/pounds so you have it.
Just don’t do this at night.
I typically take my cash out in the middle of the day as I’m going back to my accommodation so I can then quickly get it off my person.
Spread it around in different spots so you don’t have all 500 in your wallet/purse.
When I use credit cards, is there anything I need to know?
Absolutely.
The biggest piece of advice is that when you are presented with the choice of paying in US dollars or the local currency, always choose the local currency.
This will give you the best exchange rate.
Also, as you are planning your trip to Europe try to get a credit card that doesn’t have any foreign transaction fees.
Credit cards from Chase, Capital One, American Express and Bank of America have one or more of these.
So my advice is to get one or 2 cards for international travel.
I also advise taking at least 2 credit cards with you plus a debit/ATM card.
It’s always good to have a backup card in case one doesn’t work for some reason.
Put one card aside for emergency purposes only.
Lastly, you may need to inform your bank and your credit card companies that you are traveling to Europe (they may ask for specific countries) so you don’t have issues using your card abroad.
I like having the apps on my phone as well.
You can set up alerts to get while you’re traveling so you can see what you’re spending.
And you can see if there is a “where did this transaction come from” notification.
This way you can avoid any fraud/theft issues.
Planning your trip to Europe can be overwhelming
And money matters can be stressful.
But these 3 tips will help you as you’re planning your trip to Europe and as you are actually traveling in Europe.
Please take care of alerting your bank and checking your withdrawal amount before you leave.
A little advanced planning will go a long way in avoiding any money snafus along the way.
If you’re still struggling, Wander Your Way offers itinerary planning as a service along with travel consultation calls and customized travel planning.
I’m always happy to help you with planning your trip to Europe!
Please note that Wander Your Way is only recommending international travel to those who are vaccinated and feel comfortable doing so. While travel to Europe is getting easier, we are still not out of the woods with COVID.
If you do decide to travel internationally, please do your research or use a travel planning service such as Wander Your Way. Please stay up to date using official sources like the WHO and CDC.
And if you are ready to go soon, please contact Lynne for any assistance you may need.
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All good advice…Thanks…
Thanks 🙂